Obama, Clinton, Bush to snub Trump’s inaugural luncheon

Former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush won’t attend President-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural luncheon even though they’ll be at Monday’s inauguration.

Mr. Obama and Mr. Clinton were invited but declined. Mr. Bush’s office said it didn’t receive an invitation to the luncheon, according to a report by NBC News.

President Biden and first lady Jill Biden will meet with Mr. Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, for a ceremonial tea at the White House on the morning of the inauguration, the White House confirmed. Outgoing presidents typically don’t attend the presidential luncheons, though it was unclear if Mr. Biden was invited. 

A spokesperson for the Trump transition team didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment by The Washington Times. 

The luncheon takes place after the swearing-in ceremony and before the presidential parade along Pennsylvania Avenue. All three former presidents have confirmed they’ll attend the inauguration.

The Clintons attended the lunch in 2017 after Mr. Trump defeated Hillary Clinton. At the luncheon, Mr. Trump encouraged the audience to give her a standing ovation. 

However, this year, Mrs. Clinton and former first lady Laura Bush will attend the swearing-in ceremony but not the luncheon.

Former first lady Michelle Obama won’t attend either function. The Obamas’ office didn’t provide a reason for her absence. She also skipped last week’s funeral service for former President Jimmy Carter. She was the only absence among all living current and former presidents and first ladies.

All former living presidents usually attend the inauguration events to congratulate the new president and underscore the peaceful transition of power. However, Mr. Trump declined to attend Mr. Biden’s inauguration in 2021. 

None of the living former presidents supported Mr. Trump’s return to the White House. The Obamas and Clintons actively campaigned for Vice President Kamala Harris, and Mr. Bush didn’t endorse a candidate.

The inaugural luncheon is a tradition that dates back to 1897 when the Senate Committee on Arrangements hosted one for President William McKinley and guests at the U.S. Capitol, according to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, which hosts the event. 

In 1953, the Joint Committee began hosting luncheons for the incoming president, vice president and their guests. It is a collegial event in which politicians deliver speeches wishing luck to the new administration.